Thomas and Trish - 2

Torm returned regularly that summer to teach them the spells and prayers that they would need when the time came to venture out into the world. He taught Trish a great deal about human and animal anatomy, and how to heal with herbs as well as with needle and thread. To Thomas he taught swordplay, and defensive strategy. He became a good friend, and they were sad when he told them they he not going to be returning, but that did little to dampen their joy.

Thomas and Trish spent the rest of that summer planting and harvesting crops, walking in the mountains, and cherishing their time together. The winter brought heavy snows, but their harvests had been bountiful, and they were well stocked, wanted for nothing.

It happened that one cold night as they huddled together in their apartment watching the fire burned down, that they received a message. The fire began to flash and sparkle and began to illuminate the entire room. As they watch a child stepped out of the fire. It was Trug, the child that had been a witness at their wedding. He walk forward a few step and then stopped at looked up at them pleadingly.

“Pweez”, he said, “Pweeze come hewp us. My daddy is gone and my mommy is hut bad.”

He suddenly looked up at the wall, but seeing something that they could not, and screamed. Then he turned away and ran back into the fire.

The fire faded back to embers, but Thomas and Trish quickly climbed out of bed and dressed in their vestments of white and gold. Over their clothes they pulled on boots, gloves and huge cloaks made of thick polar bear skins, and lined with doeskin and rabbit fur. Trish quickly filled their packs with food, while Thomas collected snowshoes, rope, flint, and other traveling gear.

The night was cold and dark as they set out for unknown horizons. They had only left their valley on short hikes into the mountains, but this was no leisurely stroll; they were needed in a hurry. The snow was about two feet deep as they waded across their frozen fields following the depression that was all that could be seen of the creek.
Thomas who as leading through the snow stopped and looked back for a last look at their peaceful home, knowing it would be a long journey before the returned. He put his arm around his beloved wife and they gazed long at the scene before them.

The sky was clear and the moon full. It seemed so near, and illuminated every detail of the valley. The frozen waterfall shone and sparkled as it climbed up the canyon wall. Behind the wall of ice the could see a space and knew their home was protected by more than just subterfuge. Their sheds were piled high with snow and looked like a row of sleeping sentinels huddling under thick hoods of snow.

Thomas pulled Trish close and wiped a few stray tears from her cheeks before they turned began down into the forest. The trail they knew well, even under the snow. The forest was dark and quiet. They knew all the animals large and small that wintered in the valley were snuggled up deep in their trees, holes, and hollows. They said a silent farewell to each as the passed by them.

Soon they reached the glen and paused at the great pile of stones that Thomas had assembled as a memorial to all that had lost their life there. On top of the stones, Trish had built a small wooden obelisk to celebrate their freedom, callings, and love. It was now mostly covered in snow, but Thomas and Trish could both visualize the interlocking rings near the top, the sun and sword which took up most of the obelisk, and the heart with their names in it at the bottom.

They moved further down the valley, once again into the trees. At this point the banks of the creek became deeper and deeper, and the trail turned away leading to a gentler descent than that taken by the creek. They moved down the steep slope at an angle, like two white shadows in a land of white and black shadows.

This final slope was actually the west wall of a larger valley that widened as it descended to the south. They knew that somewhere down this valley standing above the river was a castle surrounded by a city, but once they reached the valley floor they did not know where the trails were so they picked their way among the stands of trees and the large rocks.

The night wore on, and the wind picked up. It was a biter south wind that seemed to cut deeper than a mere wind should. It was as if evil itself were driving cold into their souls. The moon slipped below the horizon several hours before the dawn, and the cold became absolutely unbearable.
Thomas finally stopped, turning to Trish with eyes of deep concern, suggested that they should find some shelter until morning. She motioned him over to a stand of pine trees, and uncovered her mouth. The wind was much reduced by the trees, but still it swirled and stabbed at them.

“I think I can help.” she said.

She took off her gloves with a sharp intake of breath. She knew she had only a minute before her fingers would no longer be able to function. She held her staff in front of her closed her eyes, and began to recite the words to a prayer. She paused momentarily, and spread her arms wide before continuing. As the conclude the final words, she brought her arms back together gripping the staff in both hands, and lowering it into the snow until it reached the frozen ground and stopped. A white glow began to spread from the point her staff touched the ground, surrounding them both it the light..

Thomas felt a distinct change as the spell washed over him. He could still feel the wind and the cold around them, but it did not seem nearly as intense as it had. It allowed him to relax his muscles and generally relax rather keeping his muscled bunched against the cold. Trish too seemed to relax, and smiled gently as she put her gloves back on. Thomas gave her a big hug and they continued south.

Just before the dawn broke the stopped to rest in a hollow near the top of a small hill. It was sheltered from the wind, and provided a good view of the land ahead of them.
The dawn revealed a dreamscape of diamonds glittering across a pure white blanket that seemed to stretch out forever in front of them. The light also brought great joy to their hearts. Seeing this new strange land revealed new wonders to be explored and a growing desire to share that joy with the world. As the sun continued to rise over the ridge to the east, and slide its rays across the valley, it also brought great plumes of fog that crept across the valley. The fog quickly obscured everything but the mountains and the tallest trees. To the young lovers it was a sight of stunning beauty which brought them to their feet anxious to descend into this new mystery.
By midmorning the fog had burned away. Trish’s spell of of endurance had faded and they were again left to their cloaks to keep them warm. With the lifting of the fog the sun shone brightly and lifted their spirits immensely. The cold became bearable, and they began to look forward to seeing other people again.

Before long they found a trail that seemed to come down from the mountains on their right, and came along side the river. They were grateful for this, as it made their walking much easier.

It was not long before the river and the trail descended into a thick forest of evergreen trees. Here the melting snow from the top of the trees was falling in a light shower that glistened as it fell into the shadows below.

The road here seemed to have been intentionally widened because it was the only place where the sunlight could reach all the way to the ground. Thomas and Trish felt very much at home, and began to sing as they walked, letting out great white puffs of warm air as the went.
About a mile into the forest they were suddenly confronted by a group of men dressed in ragged furs and blankets. They each held a sword in a rather treating manner as the two travelers approached.

“Who goes there?” called out a gruff man when they were about two hundred feet away.

Thomas held up his hand in greetings and called back: “I am Thomas Bringer of Justice, and this Trish the Hand of Mercy, my wife. We seek the city by the river.”

“What business do you have on my lords land,” he said sternly, then added sarcastically, “Oh great Bringer of Justice.”

Thomas was not comfortable with the way he spat out the title like it was some kind of curse. He replied back in a kind but firm voice. “I ask you to treat that title with respect friend.” He paused for a moment, and then added. “Where might we find your lord?”

The gang of men waited in silence, mumbling to each other as the two approached. Thomas could see that they had about six or eight horses tied in the the forest not far away, and he counted only three men in the road before them.

He quietly ask Trish to watch for more men. “These don’t seem very honorable, and might be planning to ambush us.” He drew back his hood and removed his helmet to try to calm the tensions.

He stopped just out of arms length from the men, Trish standing beside him. “Forgive my harsh tone, I mean you no offense. We wish to bring hope and healing to the city by the river.”

The man that stood in the middle spoke, “That city by the river” he said sarcastically, “is called the city of Kam, but only friends to the king may travel in these lands.”
Trish gave Thomas’ arm a squeeze and stepped forward drawing bak her hood. “We wish to be friends to the king. Can you take us to him?”

All three men gasped, stunned at the beauty revealed before them. All three of them took a half step back and gawked stupidly with there mouths hanging open.

Finally, the leader of the men looked at Thomas and said, “You will be a rich man in this kingdom, and I beg to be the first to pay your wife a visit.” The man fumbled at is belt drawing out a small bag and handing it to Thomas.

Both Thomas and Trish were stunned at the casual vulgarity of what the man suggested, and Thomas, absentmindedly took the bag and dumped the contents of it into his hand. It was three gold pieces and five silver.

By this time the man had taken a step toward Trish and an evil grin began to spread across his face. As Thomas realized the full impact of what the man meant, a rage erupted inside of him and he dropped his helmet, threw the gold and silver to the ground and lashed out at the man with his fists.

The man take by surprise and was thrown to the ground by the fury of Thomas’ assault. Thomas landed on top of the man and proceeded to continue his attack landing punch after punch on the mans head and face.

The other two men immediately leapt in to the fray swinging their sword wildly at Thomas. Trish screamed, and fell backwards in the snow as the two swords clanged harmlessly agains the back of the Thomas’ armor.

Recognizing the threat Thomas rolled of the man springing to his feet and drawing his sword. The two men dashed around the man on the ground and attacked he from each side. Thomas blocked one blow with greaves on his forearms, and the other with his sword. They three combatants paused sizing each other up.

The man on the ground quickly rose and retrieved his sword. His nose and mouth were bleeding badly and another wound had opened up above one eye.

“I offered you more than a fair trade. Now you will loose both your woman and your life.” he said in a vicious tone.

Trish had regained her feet, and quickly called out, “No, please, we mean you no harm.”

Ignoring her all three men attack Thomas at once. His armor protected him from the two men on his right and left, but the man in front of him caught Thomas across the cheek with his sword.

The blow staggered Thomas for a moment, and sent him reeling into the snow. The three men were on him instantly. There was a great struggle as Trish cried and begged for them to leave him alone. She even struck one of the men on the head with her staff, but he didn’t seem to notice.

The three men pinned Thomas to the ground and the leader, his face now covered in blood his Thomas several times in the face with the pommel of his sword while his men held him down. He then raised his sword for a killing blow.

Trish too had raised her staff, and with both hands and a prayer on her lips she jammed the base of her staff into the back of the man’s neck knocking his unconscious. the other two men were surprised by the blow allowing Thomas to escape.

All three men leapt to their feet and faced each other. Thomas raised his voice calling upon the forced to light and justice to guide him sword. His sword flashed brightly, and he brought it down with the full force of both hands on the man to his left. The man raised one arm to ward off the blow, but the blow passed right through it, his collar bone, and most of his ribs killing the man instantly. The other man was able only able to make contact with Thomas’ breast plate.

As Thomas drew his blade from the falling body he brought back with immense force against the other man. The man tried to duck but was too late, and the sword struck him down as well.

Breathing hard Thomas turned to expecting to find the third man, but was surprised to see the man laying unconscious in the snow.

Trish with tears freely flowing down her face leapt into his arms sobbing wildly. Thomas gave her a squeeze assuring her that he was okay.

She looked up into his face in horror as she now saw the deep gash pulsing out blood. She gasped audibly and let out a heartbreaking “Thomas, your cheek.”

He raised his hand to his cheek and it came away covered in blood. He could also blood dripping onto the front of Trish’s cloak. Raising his hand again to his cheek he spoke a prayer of healing. A blue light pulsed in his hand and cheek. The spell was able to slow the blood, but did not completely close the wound.

Trish then dropped her gloves and took his cheeks in her hands and whispered a desperate prayer. The blue light sprang up in her hands and grew much brighter than it had before. This time the wound closed completely, as did the small gash above his eye, and his mangled lip.

She quickly wiped her hands across his face to be sure the wounds were gone, and wrapped her arms around his large chest. As his arms squeezed her shoulders in return she laid her head on his shoulder and wept silently.

Slowly Thomas regained his breath and Trish was able to clear her eyes and step back. “I thought I was going to loose you there for a second.”

He smiled warmly in return and said raising his sword, “Justice will triumph against foul lechery.”

Turning the the leader of the gang, he asked, “What happened to him?”

Trish smiled wryly raised her staff and said, “Mercy.”

Thomas burst into a boisterous laugh, and Trish could help but smile and blush. She said a brief prayer and passed her hand across their clothing where the blood had spattered. As she did so the red was replaced by the original white of the fur. She knelt down beside the man on the ground and laid her hand on his forehead. As she whispered her prayer, the man slowly opened his.

He was clearly disoriented for a moment, and by the time he recognized where he was, he was looking down the a dangerous looking silver and white justice. The eyes at the other end of the sword were clearly more interested in vengeance than justice so he lay still.

Trish stood and leaned on her staff while Thomas began to interrogate their hostage.

“What is this country called?” he began.

“Kam.” came the reply.

“And who is your king?”, continued Thomas.

“Kam.” said the man.

“Take us to your lord.” said Thomas backing a step, and kicking the man’s sword into the snow a few feet away.

The man slowly stood. His eyes carried a fire that said he could not be trusted, but he spit out, “Fine.”

Trish leaned in close to Thomas and said, “We can’t just leave these other two men like this, in the road.”

Thomas thought for a moment and then ordered the remaining man to drag them and follow him. He lead the man to a stand a trees and ordered him to bury the men with snow.
Meanwhile Trish retrieved Thomas’ helm and the handful of coins and bag he had dropped into the snow, and placed them back in the small bag.

When the two men returned she gave Thomas his helm and the bag to the hostage and said, “You’re offer is rejected.”

Surprised, the man accepted the bag and tucked in to his belt.

Thomas directed the man toward the horses and asked, “Why so many horses?”

The man smiled a broad evil smile and said, “For the women we were going to make off with.”

Thomas raised his fist to strike the man, but Trish reached up stopping him. “We don’t need that.”

Thomas glared at the man who casually walked toward the horses. As they approached the horses, the man said, “The red stallion is mine. You will probably want the two white mares I suppose?”

Looking over the horses, Thomas and Trish could see that the colors ranged from red to brown to white, but the two white mares he indicated looked strong and held their heads high. All of the horses were saddled, so they had no reason to argue.

The man collected his pack from the camp that lay just beyond the horses. He tied them to the back of his saddle and retrieved the reigns for all eight horses. Two he handed to Thomas, and the five he tied to the back of his saddle. As he mounted he shot a wicked glance back and said, “I don’t suppose you are going to steal my horses too, are your?!”

Thomas snorted and helped Trish climb into the saddle. He followed suit. They bundled up against the cold, and began riding up the road the way they had come. When they came to the curve, where the road left the river, the man stayed on the path, heading toward the mountains.

They travelled at a casual easy pace, which Thomas and Trish appreciated never having ridden horses before. At midday they drew near the mountain that need abruptly in a cliff surrounded by a thick patch of forest. They skirted the base of the cliff for a quarter mile then turned into a canyon that widened and climbed as the pressed forward.

A small stream flowed through this canyon, much like their home, but this canyon had very few trees, and a great deal of loose rock.

Topping the rocky slope Thomas and Trish were surprised to see a bustling camp of tents and crude buildings huddled in one corner of the canyon surrounding a series of large caves. The dismounted at the edge of the camp, and tied their horses to a hitching post with a several other horses.

The man lead them through the tents and building were they saw men lounging around lazily, poorly clad children huddling blankets, and women that looked tired, dirty, and dejected. Somewhere in one of the tents a woman was crying.

Everyone in the camp watched as they passed. Thomas sensing Trish’s discomfort at the various leering smiles, put his arm around her shoulder urged the man to keep moving.
They reached the caves, and were stopped by two men that carried long staves with wicked looking metal axes on the tip. “What you want Tull. Lord Fen ain’t up yet.”

“Our visitors want to see him.” he spat back.

“And who are our visitors?” inquired the guard.

Tull grabbed the man that spoke by the color of his coat, and yelled right in his face, “None of your business, worm! Now go get the Master before I ram that halberd down your throat.”

The man considered for a moment, and said, “Fine! But its your neck.”

Tull threw the man backward a step where he fell to one knee. With a growl he stood and strode into the cave grabbing a burning lantern as he went. A couple minutes later the guard reappeared. “Go ahead.” he said.

Tull strode past the man taking the lantern from him. Thomas and Trish had to jog to catch up to him. The cave was about ten feet wide and twice as tall. It narrowed to a trail five feet wide, and climbed a steep sandy slope for about twenty feet. At the top of the slope it abruptly tuned to the right and opened into a large room lit by torches. There were numerous caves leading out of this room from several levels. Many of the caverns had ladders or ramps leading to them.

Near the far wall, in front of a large dark cave was a table where several men sat with a lantern between them. They were all armed with swords and one with a bow. One of the men stood. He had a thick red cape, and very nice fur trimmed breaches and boots. He also wore gloves that looked to be rabbit skin. His face was weathered and suggest a man in his forties, and had seen a hard life.

He walked toward them with a light step and smile. “Well Tull, what have you brought us?” His gaze never strayed from Thomas and Trish, even though he spoke the man that had brought them.

Thomas step forward and pulled back his fur hood. “I am Thomas, Wielder of Vengeance, the Truth Bringer, and this…” he motioned toward Trish, “is Trish Bearer of Mercy, the Greatstaff of the Heavens, my wife.”

Trish pulled back her hood, and the man’s jaw dropped as quickly as his pace stopped. The other men at the table stood as well.

The man regained his composure, and again spoke the Tull without looking at him. “Tull, you have out done yourself this time.” Bowing deeply to Trish he said, “I am Fen Lord of these lands and master of this village.”

He then turned briefly to the men at the table, “Git, give Tull a heavy bag. He earned it.” He then turned back to Trish and stared silently for a few seconds. One of the men threw a bag to Tull, who caught it stepped aside to examine it.

She began to shift nervously, and treaded her arm through Thomas’s elbow. Fen then looked to Thomas. He then bowed and said, “Welcome. What can I do for you?”

“We are looking for young child.” He leveled his hand about three feet above the floor and continued, “He is about this high, red hair, and goes by the name of Trul.”

Somewhat distracted, the man twisted up his mouth and said, “You will have to ask the women outside. I don’t deal with the children.” He then put forward cheerfully, “But come and eat with me, surely you must be weary of those heavy packs and cloaks.”

He motioned with one hand, and a man came forward from the table. “Take their packs and cloaks, they will be joining us.”

The man stepped up to take their cloaks, but Trish hesitated looking questioningly to Thomas. Thomas paused, and then removed his pack, cloak and helm, handing them to the man who's eyes opened wide as Thomas’s armor was revealed; but he bowed slightly and set them on a bench near the wall.

As he returned to take Trish’s, he stopped dead in his tracks to see her beauty and radiance. She gave him a small smile and took a couple steps to meet him. She handed him her pack and cloak, which and accepted without looking away. As she returned to Thomas’ side, Fen yelled at the man, “Git, put them on the bench.” He quickly spun on his heels and laid them atop Thomas’. The man returned one final time reaching out to take Trish’s staff, but quickly retreated when she indicated that she would not part with it.

As Thomas and Trish approached the table, the remaining men around the table scrambled to give way for them to sit. Thomas held a chair for Trish, and then sat down beside her. Fen moved to sit on the other side of Trish but paused long enough to give the other men a disgusted look.

“Get out of here you dogs. Quit gawking at the girl and go find the child.” He said. Then apologetically added for Thomas’ sake, “I apologize, they are very crude, and don’t know how to act around a real lady.”

He turned and called over his shoulder, “Marge, two more plates.” after a short pause he turned again and added, “…and Marge, make them silver plates. We have guests.”
Shortly an elderly woman poked her face out of the one of the caves near them as if to see for herself. She then disappeared again, and they heard her moving about somewhere down the cave. She seemed to be digging through various pans and cupboards.

“So, Thomas, what is this Truth Bringer you speak of?” Fen said in a friendly tone.

Thomas proudly drew his sword and held it up so the lamp illuminated it, but as he did so the diamond in the pommel began to glow brightly overpowering the lamp and torches.
Fen was clearly impressed and said as much. “I have never seen such a sword.” he began. He stretched his fingers out toward the blade, and continued, “May I?”
Thomas quietly declined, and settled the blade back in its sheath where the gem went dark again.

Fen quickly recovered, “Yes,… oh yes, sorry. For your hand only, right?”

Thomas answered with a simple, “Yes.”

The woman from the back, Marge, bustled through the large room into the large cavern behind the table, and returned carrying a stack of silver dishes and utensils, which she quickly filled with food and laid before the the at the table.

“…and this staff of yours…” he said turning to Trish, “This is… the Staff of Mercy? was it?”

She nodded, but did not speak.

They chatted lightly about the weather, and he asked what they thought of the camp; to which Thomas said it looked a little rough, and that he was worried about the women and children that looked sick. Fen replied that it was sad, but that they were working to improve the buildings.

After a minute of eating, Fen piped up again, “Why don’t you two stay with us for a while and help us? We could you a strong hand, and a bright smile around here. And the women and children could really use someone” nodding to Trish, “that could show them how to clean themselves up properly.”

Thomas replied, “We can’t. We are searching for the child…”

Fen broke in with, “the child. Right. The one with red hair right?”

“Yes.” retuned Thomas.

“Well my men will see what they can find, and maybe your quest will end here.” said Fen before taking another large bite.

As they were finishing their meal Marge popped in again and began clearing the table just as several men returned herding a handful a children into the cavern. They were boys and girls of ages ranging from toddler to about six years of age. They were all unwashed, and looked rather frightened. Several of them were crying.

“Any of these look like the one you lost?” asked the man.

Trish rose quickly, and immediately recognized Trug. No sooner had their eyes met than the child came running forward, and threw himself in her arms. “I knew you would come. I told them the lady with the gold eyes was coming to rescue us.”

Setting the child down Trish examined the rest of the children. What she saw was very disturbing. Most of the children were filthy and had cuts and bruises on them that suggested mistreatment or at least neglect.

She turned back to Thomas with a concerned look on her face, “Thomas, we cannot leave these children like this.”

She then straightened up and addressed Fen. “These children are being neglected and abused. And they also do not have proper clothing for this cold weather. Surely you can do better than this for your children.”

Fen replied in a flat non caring tone, “Well they are not my children, but I will tell the women to take better care of them.”

Trish was taken aback by his attitude, and had to blink several times as if she didn’t believe her eyes. She then looked at Thomas with a pleading, sad, and insistent look.
Thomas hesitated as his attention turned back to Fen, “Maybe… “ he began, “maybe we could stay and help with the children for a day or two?” He looked back to Trish who's faced softened a little.

“Absolutely!” said Fen excitedly. “I have my men bring all the children if you would like. Or better yet. Why don’t we set up a room… in the long house, and you can use it like a hospital, and do what ever you like to the women and children?”

He looked to one of the men that had brought the children in, and gave him a dismissive wave. The men then began to herd the children out. Trish looked back and Thomas and said, “We should go with them and help.”

Thomas stood, bowed slightly to Fen, and said firmly: “Agreed!” He then turned to Fen, “Thank you for the meal. It was wonderful.” He then raised his voice and cast a glance toward the back room where Marge was stationed, “…and tell your chef it was wonderful as well.”

Fen nodded as he stood, and returned, “I will join you later to see how things are going.”

Trish and Thomas collected their cloaks and bags and helped the men herd the children outside, where one of the men pointed to one of the larger structures, “Thats the long house there.” he said striding off ahead of the children.

As Trish and the children approached the building, she heard the man barking harsh offensive orders to the occupants that sounded more deserving of a misbehaving dog.
Trish entered the house first, and found it to be a large open room with about ten or twelve beds in it. Most of the beds unmade, and throughout the room were numerous women in various states of undress quickly trying to don their clothing and keep warm at the same time. They were young women for the most part, and all of them looked abused. Most of them had unkept hair and dark circles under their eyes. None of them would meet Trish’s gaze, and she suspected that she knew why.

She also saw two men in the back of the room dressing quickly as the man that had pointed out the house glared at them like he was about to take a board and paddle them.
Trish kept the children outside until the men had left and the women had time to dress. She then lead them in. It was not much warmer in the house, but it was out of the wind, and while disgusted at the filth and cold, Trish was glad to have the children indoors.

Thomas followed the last of the children in and asked the men if there were other children that they could bring. They replied in the affirmative, and left.

As the children entered some of them ran to one woman or another how gave them hesitant hugs. Trug ran to the back of the room yelling ‘mommy’ for all to hear. Trish followed him, and found that he was standing beside a bed. The woman had long hair, bright red like Trug’s. She was covered only in a blanket, and as she turned to hug the child Trish could see her eyes were filled with tears which had been running across her cheeks toward her ears as if she had been lying down while crying.

Trish helped the children find places to sit, and blankets to keep them warm while Thomas kept an eye outside. Trish could tell he was very uncomfortable in the house, and felt rather sick herself. She was able to hold a blanket as a curtain while Trug’s mother dressed, and had a chance to talk to her.

“What happened to you?” Trish began.

“The men raided our farm, killed my husband, and dragged Trug and me up here.” she said quietly.

“Don’t you worry.” Trish reassured her. “We are here to help.”

Trug’s mother smiled halfheartedly, and said, “I’m Myrna.”

“Trish, and my husband is Thomas.” replied Trish.

Soon several more women and another group of children were herded into the building with little sympathy or concern by the men doing the herding. Most of the women were either pregnant or carrying babies, and several of them had older children clinging to their skirts. They seemed resistant to enter the building as well, and shied away from

Thomas as they entered.

After Trish had a chance to examine the children she found that most had hurts of some kind. She returned to talk with Thomas outside the building while the women and children huddled inside.

“This is a retched place.” She began. “We have got to get some help for these poor women and children. You know what this building is, right!?”
Thomas shook his head in the affirmative. “But what can we do?” He asked. These women and children cannot walk through the frozen lands out there, and we don’t have enough food for more than a day or two with all of them with us.”

“I know.” she said sadly.

“Then I think…” began Thomas, “that the best thing we can do for these women and children is to get help. We can be sure that Fen will not help them, but maybe the king.”

Trish shook her head in agreement. “Give me an hour or two here, and we can go talk to Fen again. Then we can go.”

Thomas agreed, and set his back to the building, standing in the doorway, as a sentinel while Trish went back into the building.

She returned a short time later, laid her head on Thomas’ shoulder and shed a few tears. “My heart breaks for these poor women and children. I only hope we can hurry.”
Thomas put his arms around her, and gave her a squeeze. “We will.” he said reassuringly.

They shouldered their pack and walked back to the caves. The guards did not stop their entry, and they walked into the main hall. There were several men moving around that through the various tunnels, but none of them seemed to take any notice of them.

Thomas grabbed one of the men, and asked for Fen. The man indicated the large cave at the back, and then hurried off. At the opening Thomas called out, and a voice responded, “Just a minute. Getting dressed.”

They waited patiently until Fen emerged dressed in a mix of leather and iron armor. “Well, how are the children?” he asked half heartedly.

“They are not well.” said Trish in an accusing disappointed tone. “They need better clothes, and someone has been hurting them.”

Fen gave an overly dramatic “That’s terrible. I’ll have to have a word with my men. Were you able to help them though?” He said in a lighter tone.

“Not really.” she returned. “There are not enough blankets, and the house is barely any warmer than the snow. They need to be brought into these caves until a proper house can be built.”

Fen gave a sad look and replied, “Unfortunately that is not possible. Most of these caves are filled with supplies, and the rest are bunks for my men.” he then gave a comical horrified look and continued, “…and surely we don’t the women and children bunking up with the men.”

Trish pursed her lips and turned away contain her anger.

Fen took the opportunity to yell at one of the men. “You! Get out. Thats enough of your running around. Out!” He then raised his voice and said, “All of you men.
Outside! See Git for your assignments.”

Thomas then spoke up, clearly loosing patience as well. “You have got the take care of these people. Their health is on your hands.”

Fen paused for a moment as if to consider, then changed in demeanor. “Tell me what to do, and I’ll set my men on it immediately.”

“You can start,” began Thomas, “by getting them some warmer clothes. Then you need to build some proper homes; with some thicker walls.”

“Sadly those are the only clothes the women and children brought with them. Most of them came from poor families and didn’t have any others.” Fen prattled. “And I’m afraid my men don’t really have any experience building. Perhaps you could show them how?”

Thomas frowned and shook his head. “I do not have the skill either.” After a short pause, Thomas continued, “What about the king. Surely he would not want his people freezing out here.”

“The king has not been very helpful, I’m afraid.” said Fen.

“Then I will have to help him see the desperate situation they are in.” said Thomas firmly.

“Oh, but that is a full days ride from here.” said Fen, “I’ll send a man, and see what the king says.”

“I appreciate it, but I think I better go myself.” countered Thomas.

“And the lady?” asked Fen with a hopeful place at Trish.

Thomas’ face darkened knowing what he was thinking. “She’ll be going with me.” he said sourly.

“Is there any way that I can talk you out of this?” Fen asked in a flat tone.

“No.” said Thomas and Trish together.

“Thats too bad. I would be sad to see such radiance go away.” he said absent minded looking toward Trish.

Thomas nearly lost his temper at the tone, but instead he simply said, “We’ll be back.”, turned and began to walk toward the entrance with Trish holding closely to his arm.
“Farewell then, if you must.” said Fen, watching them as they left.

Thomas and Trish passed Git on their way out of the cave, but paid no attention to him.

When Thomas and Trish were out of eat shot Fen grabbed Git by the collar, and growled in his face. “They do not leave this valley! But you tell the men I’ll have the head of any man that so much as scratches the girl.”

Git quickly fled the cave.

Once outside the cave Thomas and Trish returned to the large building to see that the women and children were okay. They promised them that they would return with some help to get them out. They gave them as much food as they dared and went quickly to find their horses.

As the strode through the streets there was a strange tension in the air. There were not nearly as many men hanging about, and those that were around we standing nervously. Every eye in the camp watched them as they moved among the tents and buildings. Thomas put his helm on and loosened his sword in its sheath. The reached the hitching post and found several of the horses missing, but the two white mares were still there, although very agitated. It took a couple minutes to calm them enough to mount.

Once on their horses they could see that the men in the village all seemed to have filtered into the streets nearest them. Thomas spoke to Trish is a low voice, “Lets get out of here fast.” he said as them both turned their horses and urged them into a trot. Looking down from the top of the rocky slope they could see a gang of men waiting for them at the mouth of the canyon.

Trish turned to Thomas with a worried look in her eyes and asked, “What do we do?”

“Get ready for a fight.” said Thomas sternly, adjusting his helm and settling his shield on his arm. “These men aren’t here to wish us well.”

Both of them spoke a couple prayers bolstering themselves, and rode down the slope. As they descended, they sized up the men. There were eight men, the two in the back were on horseback and had bows. They were flanked by the other six horses, the six men on the ground were lead by Tull who had his sword in hand and an excited sneer on his face. There was no question what he wanted.

Thomas pulled up his horse about two hundred feet from them men and called out, “We are leaving, and we don’t want to fight. Will you let us leave, or do we have to force our way past you?”

Tull smiled an evil smile and hissed back, “Sure, you can go… if you leave the girl.”

The other men laughed and jeered, evil thoughts dancing across their faces.

Thomas tried on more time, “This is your last chance. Let us pass, or you will face the vengeance of righteousness.”

The men laughed mockingly and raised their sword.

Thomas dismounted, and spoke to Trish in a low voice, “Can you distract the two archers?”

She quietly answered in the affirmative, and they both said one last prayer. Thomas’ sword began to glow around the edges. Trish placed a protective spell on him, and gave him a worried look.

“We’ll be okay” he said as he flexed his shoulders and his hands, and turned to face the men.

Thomas put together a quick battle plan and launched himself straight at the men. He heard Trish begin to cast as he raised his shield to block the arrows that were already notched. The men crouched ready to spring on him when he was close enough.

Half way to the men Thomas deflected the two arrows, and lowered his shoulder behind his shield. At the last moment, just before barreling into Tull, he suddenly changed direction and surprised the two men on on the left end, putting his entire weight behind his charge, he sent them flying.

He quickly ran one of them through, and he went still. As Thomas turned to the other man that he had collided with, he felt a blow on the back of his right leg, one defect off his helm, and a third impact on the back of his breastplate. The man Thomas saw before him had been propelled into a rock before dropping to the ground. His eyes were closed, and he was not moving.

Trish in the meantime has conjured a shining sword in the air near the bowmen, and was directing its attacks against them.

Thomas felt his right leg buckle as he turned to face the four men on foot. Dropping to one knee he raised his shield and warded off two of the blows. Tull was right in front of him, and placed a powerful blow along the side of his helm and slicing a deep gash along his neck and shoulder. The final man, standing to his right opened a painful wound on his right hip.

Thomas involuntarily cried out at the pain, but did not let himself get distracted by it. The two men on his left, each had a hand on his shield and were attempting to wrench it from his grasp. He painful raised himself to his feet, blocking a blow from Tull and the man on his right while desperately trying to hold on to his shield.

Knowing he was in trouble, Thomas decided to change tactics. He lurched forward into his shield releasing it as he moved. The two men who were trying to wrest if from him were caught off guard and both were driven to the ground by the assault. The got the full weight of Thomas and his charge right in their chests.

Behind him now Tull and the other man prepared to pounce on him from behind when Trish turned her attention to them. She now had two swords at her command, and the two men found themselves under attack by the floating swords.

The two bowmen, freed from the slashing swords spurred their horses and charged Trish.

At the same time Thomas rolled off the two gasping men under him and back to one knee. He quickly slid his sword through the ribcage of one, while the other rolled out of range.

The first bowman to reach Trish rode up along side of her, and reached out to pull her from her horse. He was met with by the golden head of Trish’s staff, and fell from his horse. The second raised his bow and fired at her from only a few feet away. The arrow plunged deeply into her should, and she screamed in pain.

As the bowman’s momentum carried him closer to Trish, her horse lashed out clamping its teeth into the mans arm. He let out a shout of surprise and pain, and dropped his bow.
Thomas then decided to pounce on the remaining man he had landed on and drove his sword through the mans chest and into the rocks below. Trish’s screams brought his attention up, and he immediately began limping to her aid.

Trish on the other hand had focused her attention on the man in front of her, and the two floating swords pounded him from behind.

Freed from the attacks of the floating blades, Tull ordered the man with him to get help, and ran after Thomas, determined to strike him down.

As Thomas neared Trish, he heard the footsteps behind him. He said a prayer of vengeance, gripped his sword in both hands. and spun, bringing his sword around at neck level. Tull was able to get his sword up in defense, but Thomas’ blow passed right through it decapitating him where he stood.

The first bowman had climbed back to his feet, and finding Thomas’ horse between himself and Trish, he tried to run under the horses nose to get at her. To his surprise the horse reared up and planted both feet on the side of his head. His lifeless body was thrown back into a awkward heap on the ground.

The final bowman, unable to defend himself with his arm in the mouth of Trish’s horse was quickly dispatched by the two swords, and he fell lifeless at the feet of the horses as the swords winked out of existence.

Thomas turned to Trish once again and hobbled to her side, tripping and falling to his hands and knees near her horse. Seeing Thomas fall, Trish momentarily forgot the pain in her shoulder and quickly tried to dismount, but her untrained efforts got the arrow caught in on the saddle horn, and she fell screaming to her back beside Thomas.

Thomas grabbed the arrow and ripped in from her body, and her screams faded as she lost consciousness. He then pressed his hands against the wound and spoke a prayer of healing. The blue light quickly closed the wound and her body took a deep relaxing breath in response.

He then reached down to his leg, and with the last of his magic began to close the wounds. This stopped the bleeding of both gashes, and completely closed one of them. He then sat back and took several deep breaths.

Trish awoke, and seeing her shoulder healed, reached over to give Thomas a big hug. His moans made her draw back and she saw the gash on his neck. She quickly healed it and asked if he were hurt anywhere else. Thomas indicated his hip and leg, which she also healed.

They helped each other rise, weak from their exertions, and Thomas pointed up the hill. “One of the men went for help. We should get as far from here as we can.”

Trish nodded and climbed into her saddle. Thomas lead his horse over to where his shield lay atop a one of the men, and he noticed that the man that had been thrown against the rock was alive and awake. He was bleeding badly from the back of his head, and was clearly breathing painfully as he watch Thomas approach, expected die quickly.

Thomas cleaned his blade on the clothing of one of the fallen men, and then brought it over to rest against the chest of the man by the rock. “Do you wish to live?” asked Thomas.

“Yes.” said the man humbly.

“Will turn from the abominable ways of this vulgar camp, and spend the rest of your life trying to heal the damage you have done?” said Thomas.

“Yes, I swear.” said the man.

“Then” said Thomas, “I will grant you your life.” He slid his sword back into its sheath and looked to Trish.

“Do you have any more healing in you?” he asked with a concerned look.

“Yes, I think so” she replied.

Thomas helped her off her horse and she cast a strong healing spell that seemed to close the external wounds, and allow the man to breath without pain.

Thomas then helped the man to rise and said, “You can start by protecting the women and children in that filthy camp.” he said pointing up the canyon. “We will be back as quickly as we can, but you do everything you can for them, and pray for forgiveness of your evil ways.”

The man nodded, picked up his sword, and mounted one of the unattended horses. He turned back to Thomas and Trish and said, “I will not fail you.” and kicked his horse into a gallup.

Thomas and Trish quickly mounted and rode as fast as they could away from the canyon.